Is copper wire safe for hanging pans in a lye bath?

[giantArmy]

I'm setting up a new lye bath for cleaning my cast iron pans and I had an idea about hanging them. I have some leftover copper wire and I was thinking I could loop it through the pans and hook the ends over the edge of the container. That way, I wouldn't have to reach inside the lye solution to pull the pans out. It sounds like an easy fix but I want to make sure I am not creating a problem. Will the copper wire react badly with the lye solution or is it safe to use? And are there better materials like stainless steel or something else that I should be using instead of copper? Thanks!

 

[checkm8]

I do not recommend using copper, aside from the fact that it does not hold up well in a strong lye solution. It can corrode and weaken. You might want to use stainless steel or plain steel wire. It is more resistant to alkaline solutions and less likely to break down during the process.

 

[BigBob75]

Good info! I was wondering the same thing. I want to use a manual charger and a tub next summer (when it's warm outside here in Jersey). I was planning to use a piece of 2x4 with lag bolts in it to suspend the iron and a sacrificial piece of steel and use old coat hangers to hold the items and connect to the lag bolts, then make battery charger connections to the lag bolts. Any input to my plans would be welcome. Thank you. God Bless. Bob

 

[Alan]

I'm setting up a new lye bath for cleaning my cast iron pans and I had an idea about hanging them. I have some leftover copper wire and I was thinking I could loop it through the pans and hook the ends over the edge of the container. That way, I wouldn't have to reach inside the lye solution to pull the pans out. It sounds like an easy fix but I want to make sure I am not creating a problem. Will the copper wire react badly with the lye solution or is it safe to use? And are there better materials like stainless steel or something else that I should be using instead of copper? Thanks!

There's no clear consensus as to whether copper does or does not react with lye. So I'd rather not... But I probably will if just to find out. lol

 

[Alan]

Good info! I was wondering the same thing. I want to use a manual charger and a tub next summer (when it's warm outside here in Jersey). I was planning to use a piece of 2x4 with lag bolts in it to suspend the iron and a sacrificial piece of steel and use old coat hangers to hold the items and connect to the lag bolts, then make battery charger connections to the lag bolts. Any input to my plans would be welcome. Thank you. God Bless. Bob

Have you tried it? Good to have a sacrificial steel, at least it isn't costly to try. Haven't got any so I have to buy one if I want to try.

 

[BigBob75]

I haven't tried it yet as there is snow on the ground and temps have been below freezing here in Jersey. Next summers project. I'm looking forward to Christmas 2025 next week.

 

[Alan]

Yeah! It's going to be a busy week for me next week. Hoping your holiday is fun!